The difference in sizes between Manchester United and Grimsby Town can be summed up by a ridiculous exchange between Mariners owner Jason Stockwood and a Red Devils delegate
Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United, looks dejected after his team concede during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Grimsby Town and Manchester United at Blundell Park on August 27, 2025 in Grimsby, England
Ruben Amorim was furious after Manchester United's League Cup exit at the hands of Grimsby Town
(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
Grimsby Town owner Jason Stockwood was left bewildered when a Manchester United official enquired about the location of Ruben Amorim's changing room at Blundell Park.
Stockwood, 55, is still on cloud nine after his side completed one of the most stunning upsets in League Cup history by defeating the Red Devils on penalties. At first, it seemed the League Two outfit would suffer heartbreak after surrendering a commanding 2-0 advantage.
Following Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren's exploitation of Andre Onana's poor goalkeeping during the opening period, Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire struck after the interval to restore parity. Nevertheless, an epic penalty shoot-out resulted in Grimsby prevailing 12-11, triggering wild celebrations at Blundell Park.
Following the match, Stockwood disclosed an entertaining conversation he'd had with a United official, which emphasised the vast disparity between the two clubs' statures. Speaking to the Athletic, Stockwood said: "I'll tell you one funny quick thing.
"With Manchester United coming to town, they sent us almost a rider for the manager, and it was like, 'Where's the manager's changing room?' And I was like, 'F***ing hell, the manager's changing room?' For us, it is the back of his car. The manager has a changing room at Man United? I thought that was quite amusing."
Grimsby's stunning victory made them the first fourth-tier side in English football history to eliminate United from cup competition. It represented another dismal display from the Red Devils, who remain winless in the current season.
Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United looks on prior to the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Grimsby Town and Manchester United at Blundell Park on August 27, 2025 in Grimsby, England
United were under the impression Amorim would receive his own dressing room
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There had been initial encouragement following their spirited performance against Arsenal at Old Trafford, despite succumbing 1-0 to the north London outfit. A frustrating 1-1 stalemate at Fulham brought United back to earth, but the defeat to Grimsby has sent morale at Old Trafford plummeting.
Having observed United's arrival, Stockwood remarked the Red Devils' players appeared ill-equipped for the wet and combative test awaiting them at Blundell Park. He added: "They clearly didn't know what they were coming into.
"When the players came off the bus and onto the pitch, I stood around and the United players did not look like they were up for it. It was all the cliches.
"They have got all those incredible talents and I'm a massive fan of the Premier League. The individual talent on display last night was extraordinary.
"The team performance speaks for itself from United. But seeing them coming in, they did not look like they wanted to be there, which I really enjoyed!"
Grimsby fans celebrate victory on the pitch during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Grimsby Town and Manchester United at Blundell Park on August 27, 2025 in Grimsby, England
Grimsby fans were ecstatic after their historic triumph over United
United encounter another awkward test at the weekend when they welcome Burnley to Old Trafford. The newly-promoted outfit are buoyant after defeating Sunderland in their most recent Premier League encounter, before overcoming Derby County 2-1 in the League Cup.
Given the current atmosphere, both inside and outside of United, a match against Scott Parker's team could prove to be a tricky affair.
With crucial fixtures against arch-rivals Manchester City and a home game against Chelsea on the horizon, United are in dire need of a win.